Page 19
Including residents and former residents of Buffalo County, Nebraska
Extracted from newspapers
BITAR, Robert, 67, of Kearney died Tuesday, May 18, 2004, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney
Services: Saturday, St. James Catholic Church
Mortuary: O'Brien-Straatmann-Apfel
Burial: Kearney Cemetery, military honors by American Legion Post 52 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 759
Memorial service: in Connecticut at a later date
Memorials: American Heart Association
Born: Jan. 11, 1937, Bridgeport, Conn.
Parents: Thomas and Catherine (Berges) Bitar
Grew up in Fairfield; graduated from Roger Ludlowe High School in Fairfield, 1955; attended Lehigh University for one year; graduated from Fairfield University in Fairfield, 1961, degree in economics; received master's degree, University of Bridgeport, 1971
Military: U.S. Navy, Nov. 17, 1961-Nov. 3, 1964; served three years sea duty with the Service Force Sixth Fleet; served during the Cuban Missile Crisis
Married: June 2, 1962 to Annette Haddad in Pittsfield, Mass; lived in Fairfield, was employed by Sikorsky Aircraft out of Stratford, Conn., with experience in businesses planning and analysis, finance and marketing; retired, 1999
Was actively involved in Holy Family Church as a contributing parishioner, past member of the Church Council, and most recently as a lector
Was also active in local government; was the RTM representative, 1967-1976, serving as moderator, 1969-1976; served as member of the Board of Finance, 1976-1981 and again 1995-2001; member of the Democratic Town Committee since 1965, served as chairman, 1988-1990; was active in the Fairfield Improvement Committee, Family Life Education Committee, Police Station Building Committee, Emergency Medical Services Committee, Town Vehicle Policy Committee, Bridge House Board of Directors and Operation Hope Board of Directors
Moved to Kearney to be near children and grandchildren; became a member of St. James Catholic Church, served on the finance committee; member of Kearney Noon Rotary; post board member of the Kearney Area Children's Museum, the Haney Park Committee and was a former Toastmaster; favorite hobby was photography
Survivors include: wife; son, Brian of Fort Collins, Colo.; daughter, Karen Shundoff of Kearney; brother, Thomas of Morristown, N.J.; and sister, Dolores Terek of Fairfield, Conn.; also son-in-law, Dan Shundoff of Kearney; sister-in-law, Carol of Morristown; brother-in-law, Michael Terek of Fairfield; grandchildren, Brandon, Kayla, Courtney and Nicole Shundoff, all of Kearney; and many nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by his parents
Kearney Hub, 21 May, 2004
MAAHS, Frieda B., 92, of Harlan, Iowa, formerly of Kearney, died Wednesday, May 19, 2004, at an Omaha hospital
Memorial service: Saturday, Burmeister-Johannsen Funeral Home in Harlan
Burial: later
Born: July 29, 1911, in Arapahoe
Parents: Fred and Laura (Reitz) Riepe
Married: April 29, 1933 to Walter Maahs in Arapahoe. He died April 12, 1996, in Kearney
Survivors include daughter, Lori Schultz of Harlan; four grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and a great-great-grandchild.
Kearney Hub, 21 May, 2004
MAY, Kurtz E., 87, of Lakewood, formerly of Kearney, Neb., died Tuesday, May 18, 2004, at Swedish Hospital in Englewood, Colorado.
Memorial services: Tuesday at Phillips United Methodist Church in Lakewood
Mortuary: Moore-Howard, Denver
Born: Oct. 9, 1916, in Kearney, Neb.
Parents: Charles and Martha (Forney) May
Married Marjorie Shreve. She preceded him in death
Survivors include his son, Douglas, and two grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 22 May, 2004
JONES, Roland C. Jones, 69, a professor emeritus at Fort Lewis College, Durango, Colorado, died of natural causes at his Durango home Monday, March 1, 2004
Services: none
Memorials: Mercy Health Foundation, Durango, Colorado
Born Nov. 8, 1934, in Kearney, Neb.
Parents: Clarence and Helen (Mueller) Jones
Graduated from Amherst (Neraska) High School, the University of Michigan, Northern Arizona University and Michigan State University
Came to the Fort Lewis College English department in 1967; was the faculty founder of Circa, the college literary magazine, which was later renamed Images; started one of the earliest college film classes and served for many years as the Tae Kwon-Do Club faculty advisor; was the recipient of the Alice Admire Outstanding Teacher Award, 1989
Was interested in the life and work of the Rev. H. R. Voth, a Mennonite missionary and early Hopi Indian ethnographer; translated Voth's diaries and many of his papers from old German script; wrote the Voth entry for the Dictionary of American Biography
Other interests included carpentry and gardening
Survivors include: wife Donna Jones of Durango; children: Rachel Jones of Durango and Joshua Jones of Dove Creek; his sisters: Joann Johannes of Bloomington, Ind., and Margaret Brieske of Saginaw, Mich.
Durango (Colorado) Herald, March 2004 obituaries
JOHNSON, Giles E., 56, of Ellis, Kansas, formerly of Kearney, Neb., died Thursday, May 27, 2004, at Hayes Medical Center in Hayes
Services: Wednesday, First Baptist Church, Kearney
Burial of cremains: Peckham Cemetery south of Gothenburg, Neb
Mortuary: Horner-Lieske-Horner, Kearney
Memorials suggested to the Disabled American Veterans
Born Feb. 14, 1948, in North Platte, Neb.
Parents: Russell and Jean (Oman) Johnson
Grew up and attended school in Kearney
Military: U.S. Navy, 1965-1967, served during Vietnam War; after discharge, lived in California, then moved to Indianapolis
Married: July 10, 1970 to Sharena Whittle in Indianapolis; moved to Kearney; was a heavy equipment operator for Jack Letterman Co.
Later moved to Colorado; lived in Ravenna, moved to Ellis, Kansas, 2001
Survivors include: son, Jason of Kearney; daughters, Jamie LaBarge of Ellis and Jodi Katzer of Council Bluffs, Iowa; brothers, Joe of Holdrege and Neil of Kearney; and six grandchildren; also son-in-law, Mathew Katzer of Council Bluffs; and Jason's fiance, Stacy Rodehorst of Kearney
Was preceded in death by his parents
Kearney Hub, 1 June, 2004
JEFFERY, S. LaVerne, 82, of Miller died Tuesday, May 25, 2004, at Good Samaritan Center, Gibbon
Services: Friday, Miller United Methodist Church
Burial: Armada Cemetery, Miller
Mortuary: Horner-Lieske-Horner, Kearney
Memorials suggested to the Alzheimer's Association or the Good Samaritan Center in Gibbon
Born June 8, 1921, near Miller
Parents: Esto and Mate (Veal) Jeffery
Grew up on a farm, received his elementary education in Watertown; father died 1937, assumed the responsibility for the farm while attending high school; graduated from Miller High School 1939; continued farming for his mother
Married: Nov. 26, 1941 to Darlene Fairchild in Miller. She died April 19, 2002
Farmed in the Miller area, retired, 1994; lived on the farm, moved to Kearney, November 2001; had been a resident at Good Samaritan Center in Gibbon since May 2002
Activities: member of the Miller United Methodist Church and the Miller Volunteer Fire Department; member of the Eagles, Elks and Lions clubs; enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening and spending time with his family
Survivors include: son, Mick of Berthoud, Colo.; daughters, Joanie Hoos of Grand Island and Nancy Cunningham of Miller; sister, Doris Bailey of Kearney; 10 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren; also daughter-in-law, Cindy Jeffery of Berthoud; sons-in-law, Gary Hoos of Grand Island and Tom Cunningham of Miller; brothers and sisters-in-law, Betty and Jim Burt of Alamo, Texas, Kenneth and June Fairchild of Cozad, Conrad and Charlene Fairchild of Ridgecrest, Calif., Cecil Ackerman of Gothenburg and Terry and Beverly Williams of Cozad; a host of loving nephews and nieces and the staff and residents of the Good Samaritan Center in Gibbon
Kearney Hub, 27 May, 2004
HAWKINS, Leonard Joseph "Lefty", 86, of Cheyenne, Wyoming, formerly of Kearney, Neb., died Tuesday, May 18, 2004, at Southeastern Wyoming Dialysis Center in Cheyenne
Body has been cremated; memorial services will be later
Mortuary: Wiederspahn-Radomsky Chapel of the Chimes in Cheyenne
Memorials suggested to the Cheyenne Baseball Field, c/o Mark Zabach, American National Bank, 1912 Capitol Ave., Cheyenne, WY 82001
Born: May 14, 1918, in Kearney
Parents: William and Mary (Fowler) Hawkins
Was raised in Kearney, attended Kearney Public Schools
Married: Dec. 19, 1938 to Lois Wood of Kearney in Denver
Lived in Cheyenne 1941-1946, worked for the railroad
Played professional baseball with the St. Louis Cardinals organization; played and co-managed semipro baseball for a number of years; during the off-season, worked in sales
Returned to Cheyenne, 1972; worked for the Union Pacific Railroad as a brakeman 1875 until retiring October 1988
Activities: sas an All-American baseball player in 1947, was awarded a trophy; was an avid golfer, and won a number of trophies in golf tournaments; enjoyed hunting pheasants and big game; was a great imitator of actor Bob Burns on radio, at business functions and at parties; member of the Country Club, Elks Lodge 2062 in Holdrege, Neb., and First United Methodist Church
Survivors include his wife; also sisters-in-law, Agnesann Case of Cheyenne and Alice Wilson and Leota Wood, both of Kearney; nieces and nephews, Milton Hawkins of Axtell, Neb., Mary Huber of Ohio, Lyle Hawkins of Florida, Delbert Hawkins of Texas, Darlene Sagraves of Florida, Harold Randolph of Arizona, Francis Wilson of Idaho, Janice Shafer of Kearney, Larry Homan of Gibbon, Neb., Dixie Tripe of Hastings, Neb., Patricia Koskells of Pueblo, Colo., Gloria Hermansen and Terry Hawkins, both of Washington, Dennis Hawkins of Boise, Idaho, Agnes Randolph of Tucson, Ariz., and Evelyn Hawkins of Missoula, Mont.; and numerous cousins in Kentucky
Was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, infant Thomas and William and Albert; sisters, infant Susan and Minnie Randolph, Nellie Homan and Alice Jackson; and nephews, Kenneth Hawkins, Don Hawkins and Arthur Randolph
Kearney Hub, 25 May, 2004
RITCHIE, Trace, infant son of Tim and Tiffany (Stec) Ritchie, died Monday, May 24, 2004, at Children's Hospital in Omaha
Services: Wednesday, Prince of Peace Catholic Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: O'Brien-Straatmann-Apfel
Born May 13, 2004, Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney
Survivors include his parents; sister, Tasha of Kearney; grandparents, Dave and Connie Stunkel of Broken Bow, Glenn Ritchie of Berwyn and Paul and Deb Stec of Kearney; and great-grandparents, Melvin and Thelma Burnett of Broken Bow, Doc and Wanda Ritchie of Merna, Vera Stunkel of Ansley, and Delores Stec and Ken and Delores Heuer, all of Ainsworth
Was preceded in death by a maternal great-grandfather and a maternal great-grandmother
Kearney Hub, 25 May, 2004
FINCK, Pauline, 90, of Grand Island, formerly of Wood River, died Thursday, May 20, 2004, at Wedgewood Care Center in Grand Island
Services: Tuesday, Apfel-O'Brien-Straatmann Funeral Home in Wood River
Burial: Riverside Cemetery, Gibbon
Memorials suggested to the United Methodist Church of Wood River, the Wood River Foundation or the donor's choice
Born: May 7, 1914, in Villisca, Iowa
Parents: Earl and Blanche (Giles) RICHARDS
Father died July 21, 1924, and her mother placed her young family in an orphanage in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Her mother worked at the orphanage in an effort to keep her children, Pauline, 10, Gyle, 8, Glen, 6, and Max, 3. Her grandparents, John and Myrtle Richards helped to care for the family
Mother married Thomas Cox, 1926; moved to Wood River where he worked as a farm laborer. They later brought the youngest son from the orphanage. A few months later, the older children joined them in Wood River. The children attended District 32 School. They later moved to Shelton, and she attended Shelton High School
Married: June 27, 1931 to Floyd Finck in Red Cloud; lived north of Shelton for several years, husband worked as a farmhand and with the Union Pacific Railroad; she helped her father-in-law, John Finck, with the farming; during World War II, both worked at the Ordnance Plant
Moved north of Wood River, 1943; continued farming. She helped with fieldwork, irrigation and corn harvest; raised chickens and milked cows; used the cream and egg money to buy groceries; had no electricity or indoor plumbing until 1950. She pumped water, carried it to the house and heated water in a boiler and used either a scrub board or a stomper to wash clothes; used sad irons heated on the wood-burning cook stove
Farmed north of Shelton; retired, 1976, moved to an acreage east of Wood River; moved to Grand Island, 1992. He died May 21, 2000
Lived at Bickford Cottage, an assisted living home, for three years; moved to the Wedgewood Care Center a year ago
Activities: member of the Shelton Rebekah Lodge, the Platt Duetsche Society Ladies Group and was a member of two extension clubs and the Methodist Women Circle; enjoyed dancing, playing cards, sewing and making quilts for her grandchildren; enjoyed playing games and frying chicken for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren; was known for making homemade noodles; enjoyed doing crafts, gave many bridal showers in the area
Survivors include: son, Harvey of Dannebrog; daughter, Maxine Rathman of Wood River; 16 great-grandchildren; six step-great-grandchildren; and nine step-great-great-grandchildren; also daughter-in-law, Sally of Dannebrog; son-in-law, Merlin Rathman of Wood River; grandchildren, Sherryl Gannon, Lynette Koelzer and Doyle Rathman, all of Wood River, Jolene Bergman of Leavenworth, Kan., LuCinda Ostransky and Debra Finck-Brandt, both of Kearney, William Finck of Grand Island and Paula Dush of Dannebrog; step-grandchildren, Michael and Pat Winkle and Jayne Waltz; and two great-great-grandchildren, Elizabeth and Grant Gannon
Was preceded in death by her parents, her husband and three brothers
Kearney Hub, 24 May, 2004
ARNOLD, Peggy E. "Peg", 78, Kearney, died Saturday, May 29, 2004, at Northridge Retirement Home
Memorial services: Wednesday, First Presbyterian Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner-Lieske-Horner
Memorials suggested to First Presbyterian Church or Good Samaritan Hospital Hospice
Born Oct. 27, 1925, in Hastings
Parents: Bloise Plum and Sara (Schneidermiller) Plum-Sandy
Grew up in Hastings, graduated from Hastings High School, 1943. Attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln; returned to Hastings in 1945
Married: Oct. 10, 1948 to William Arnold. He died in 1985
Lived in Hastings, moved to Kearney, 1957
Was a civil service employee of the U.S. Naval Ammunition Depot, 1945-1950
Was employed at Schweser's in Kearney, 1978-2003
Activities: member of First Presbyterian Church in Kearney, a member of the Church Circle and the Church Shepherding team, taught Sunday school for many years; was a 50-year member of PEO Chapter EG, an American Red Cross volunteer, and had been a Cub Scout and Camp Fire Girl leader; was a dedicated mall walker; belonged to several bridge clubs; enjoyed attending her grandchildren's and great-grandchildren's school, church and athletic events
Survivors include: son, Larry of Snow Camp, N.C.; and daughter, Barb Jacobitz of Kearney; also daughter-in-law, Cindy Arnold of Snow Camp; son-in-law, Wally Jacobitz of Kearney; grandchildren, Bart Daake and his wife, Shantel, of Minden, Brett Daake of Jacksonville, N.C., Ryan Arnold of Snow Camp, and Jodi, Jami, Jeff and Joel Jacobitz, all of Kearney; great-grandchildren, Bo and Bailey Daake of Minden; sisters-in-law, Lucille Unman of San Jacinto, Calif., Jean Koch of Hastings and Gwen Hickens of Phoenix; cousins, nieces, nephews; and many wonderful friends
Kearney Hub, 1 June, 2004
CARSON, Ella Marie, 89, of Kearney, formerly of Ord, died Saturday, May 29, 2004, at St. John's Center in Kearney
Services: Wednesday, Ord United Methodist Church
Burial: Ord City Cemetery
Mortuary: Ord Memorial Chapel
Memorials suggested to Ord United Methodist Church Women or the Alzheimer's Association
Survivors include: son, Duane of Ord; daughter, Dee Ellingson of Kearney; seven grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren; also daughter-in-law Laurie Carson of Ord and son-in-law Terry Ellingson of Kearney
Kearney Hub, 31 May, 2004
CZAPLEWSKI, Ruby V., 76, of Kearney, formerly of Loup City, died Saturday, May 29, 2004, at Mount Carmel Home Keens Memorial in Kearney
Services: Wednesday, St. Josaphat's Catholic Church in Loup City
Burial: Evergreen Cemetery, Loup City
Mortuary: Peters Funeral Home, Loup City
Memorials suggested to Mount Carmel Home in Kearney
Born: June 1, 1927, in Reamsville, Kan.
Parents: Walter and Bessie (Richardson) McKnight; later was adopted by John and Alice (Ebarhart) Kriewald of Valley County
Married: Feb. 12, 1946 to Leonard J. Czaplewski at Loup City. He died Jan. 15, 2000
Survivors include: sons, Steve, Marty and Mike, all of Kearney; daughters, Shirley Scarrow and Linda Badura, both of Kearney, and Kathy Sweeney of Grand Island; 20 grandchildren; and 21 great-grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 1 June, 2004
HILL, Michael O., 47, Kearney, died Friday, May 28, 2004, at his home
Services: Thursday, Horner-Lieske-Horner Mortuary Burial: Kearney Cemetery, military rites by Kearney American Legion Post 52 and Kearney Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 759
Memorial suggested to Press On Ministry
Born May 31, 1956, in McCook
Parents: Bill and Jean (May) Hill. Grew up and attended school in Kearney; was baptized in the Episcopal church in McCook, then attended St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Kearney, served as an acolyte
Military: US Marines, 1974-1976
Returned to Kearney, worked in construction jobs
Enjoyed hunting, fishing and baseball
Survivors include: parents, of Kearney; brother, Jerry of Kearney; and sisters, Janet Irlmeier and Jill Sage, both of Kearney, Nancy Anderson of Orleans and Peggy Verbeck of Funk; also sister-in-law, Pam Hill of Kearney; brothers-in-law, Bill Anderson of Orleans, Jack Irlmeier of Kearney, Monty Verbeck of Funk and Pete Sage of Kearney; aunts, Bettie Gull of McCook and Joan Hills of Aurora, Colo.; uncle, Rex May of Playa Del Rey, Calif.; and nieces and nephews, Jack Theis of Seward, Angela Nelson of Pleasanton and Kurt Nelson and Ali and Colton Hill, all of Kearney
Was preceded in death by his grandparents, Owen and Ferdella Hill and Max and Florence May
Kearney Hub, 2 June, 2004
McENTEE, Doretta M., 81, of Kearney died Monday, May 31, 2004, at Good Samaritan Hospital
Services: Friday, St. James Catholic Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner-Lieske-Horner
Memorials planned to St. James Catholic Church or the American Heart Association
Born July 20, 1922, in Otis, Colo.
Parents: Joseph and Ivy (Renner) Brown
Graduated from high school in Stratton, Colo.; grew up working in a Red & White Grocery Store, which her parents owned. Married: Nov. 22, 1943 to Vaughn E. "Mac" McEntee in Denver; lived in Colorado until he served in the U.S. Air Force; then lived in Germany, Maryland, and California enjoying military life and raising their three children; retired in the Denver area, 1966, moved to Kearney, 2001
Activities: loved Broncos and Rockies games; enjoyed baking and knitting for friends and family
Survivors include: sons, Allen of Carson City, Nev., and Michael of Toms River, N.J.; also daughter-in-law, Mary of Toms River; and grandchildren, Christina of Carson City, Nev., Sean of West Point, N.Y., and Timothy of Eielson Air Force Base, Ark.
Was preceded in death by her husband and a daughter
Kearney Hub, 3 June, 2004
CODNER, Lance Cpl. Kyle W., 19, of Shelton, Neb., died Wednesday, May 26, 2004, in action in the Al Anbar province of Iraq
Services: Friday, Shelton High School
Burial: Shelton Cemetery
Mortuary: Livingston-Sondermann Funeral Home in Grand Island
Born: March 2, 1985, in Grand Island
Parents: Wain and Dixie (Shupe) Codner
Survivors include: parents of Shelton; sister, Melissa of Shelton; grandparents, Del and Doris Shupe and Louise Codner, all of Grand Island; and fianc‚e, Megan Kirkover of Shelton
Kearney Hub, 1 June, 2004
VERNON, Marvin H., 80, of Ravenna, formerly of Dannebrog, died Friday, May 28, 2004, at Good Samaritan Care Center in Ravenna
Services: Thursday, First Baptist Church Family Center in Dannebrog
Burial: Oakridge Cemetery in Dannebrog, military honors by Mickelsen-Larkowski American Legion Post 241 of Dannebrog
Mortuary: Jacobsen-Greenway Funeral Home in St. Paul
Memorials suggested to the donor's choice
Born Aug. 14, 1923, in Hanford, Calif.
Parents: James and Froda (Greene) Vernon
Grew up on a farm near Lemorre, Calif.; after his education, he farmed and raised cotton near Lemorre
Military: entered U.S. Army, Feb. 9, 1943; served with the 45th Infantry; was stationed in Grand Island until 1945; was deployed to Germany and was wounded April 1, 1945, on the march to Berlin; was sent to California for his recovery and was discharged May 27, 1946; received the Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Bronze Star, Combat Infantry Badge, American Theater Ribbon and the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon
Returned to farm at Lemorre. In 1955, he moved to Monrovia, Calif., to drive a concrete truck
Married: Sept. 29, 1956 to Virginia Mille in Las Vegas; lived in Monrovia, and continued to drive a concrete truck until 1971; moved to Dannebrog to begin a dairy farm; retired 1975, moved into Dannebrog; moved to Ravenna, 1998
Activities: enjoyed being with family, gardening, yard work, traveling and camping; was a member of Mickelsen-Larkowski American Legion Post 241 of Dannebrog and the Disabled American Veterans
Survivors include: wife; daughters, Sheila of Grand Island, Marlina Vernon-MulDowney of Tampa, Fla.; Pearl Young of Ravenna and Pamela Kulek of Juniata; brothers, Eugene of Modesto, Calif. and Marion of Fresno, Calif.; 16 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren; also sons-in-law, John MulDowney of Tampa and Kevin Kulek of Juniata; and sister-in-law, Anita Vernon of Modesto
Was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Patricia Pettet; brothers, William and Floyd; sister, Annie Alves; and a grandson, Lucas Hald
Kearney Hub, 1 June, 2004
BRADRICK, Jill Kelly, 27, of Omaha died Sunday, May 30, 2004, in Omaha
Services: Saturday at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, Omaha
Burial: Calvary Cemetery, Omaha
Mortuary: Heafey-Heafey-Hoffman West Center Chapel, Omaha
Born Feb. 1, 1977, in Kearney
Parents: Ron and Sharon Bradrick
Survivors include: her parents, of Omaha; brothers, Sean of Omaha and Shelton of Durham, N.C.; grandmothers, Leatha Cowley of Gretna and Elnora Bradrick Wages of Superior; and special friend, Nate Jones of Omaha
Kearney Hub, 2 June, 2004
BRILL, Francis M., 81, of Gibbon died Wednesday, June 2, 2004, at Mother Hull Home in Kearney
Services: Saturday, Faith Baptist Church, Kearney
Burial: Gibbon Riverside Cemetery
Mortuary: Godberson Mortuary of Gibbon and Shelton
is in charge of arrangements. Memorials suggested to Timberlake Ranch Camp, Bryan College or Grace Seminary
Born May 5, 1923, in Winchester, Va.
Parents: William and Dora (Plank) Brill
Grew up and attended schools in Winchester; graduated from Handley High School, 1943
Military: U.S. Army Air Corps, 1943-1946
Attended Bryan College in Dayton, Tenn., and Grace Seminary in Winona Lake, Ind.
Married: Sept. 15, 1957 to Edith Shires in Cheyenne Wyo.
Served in ministry in Michigan, Pennsylvania and Virginia; moved to Kearney, 1965, was employed by Rockwell International until it closed in 1985
Survivors include: his wife of Gibbon; sons, Mark of Kearney and Paul of Central City; daughter, Miriam Kuhn of Loup City; and seven grandchildren
Was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, William
Kearney Hub, 3 June, 2004
WILLIS, Ellen V., 82, of Lincoln, formerly of Gibbon, died Tuesday, June 1, 2004, at her home
Services: Friday, Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Shelton
Burial: Gibbon Riverside Cemetery
Mortuary: Godberson Mortuary, Gibbon
Born Oct. 24, 1921, in Elizabeth, N.J.
Parents: George and Tryphena (Brown) WYATT
Married: July 14, 1945 to Lee Willis in Nutley, N.J. He died in July 1990.
Survivors include her son, Jim of Denver; daughters, Ginny Willis of Lincoln and Michele Kontor of Milford; six grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
Kearney Hub, 3 June, 2004
PLANTE, Stanley J., 62, of Loup City died Tuesday, June 1, 2004, at St. Francis Medical Center in Grand Island
Services: Friday, St. Josaphat's Catholic Church in Loup City
Burial: Evergreen Cemetery in Loup City
Mortuary: Higgins Funeral Home in Loup City Memorials suggested to the church or Loup City emergency medical technicians
Born: Dec. 29, 1941, in Kearney
Parents: Eugene and Elizabeth (Nickman) Plante
Grew up and attended school in Pleasanton, graduated in 1960
Military: U.S. Army, 1964-1967
Employment: worked at L E Razey Shop and at New Holland until 1970; Gibbon Packing Co., 1970-2002, retired because of his health
Activities: member of St. Josaphat's Catholic Church and its Knights of Columbus; member of the Shelton American Legion; enjoyed his daughter's cat, Chloe, sharing coffee at the coffee shop and volunteering at Central Nebraska Community Services
Survivors include his wife, Dolores of Loup City; daughters, Diana Van Keuren of Omaha and Jennifer of Loup City; his mother of Kearney; brother, Harold of Kearney; and sisters, Barbara Brugger of Muscatine, Iowa, and Betty Jean Schukar of Elm Creek; also his son-in-law, Todd Van Keuren of Omaha; brothers-in-law, Wayne Brugger of Muscatine and Randy Schukar of Elm Creek; and stepgrandsons, Bryan and Tyler, both of Omaha
Was preceded in death by his father
Kearney Hub, 3 June, 2004
STOPPKOTTE, Gerald, 79, of Wood River, formerly of Shelton, died Wednesday, June 2, 2004, at Western Hall County Good Samaritan Center in Wood River
Services: Monday, Shelton United Methodist Church
Burial: Shelton Cemetery
Mortuary: Apfel-O'Brien-Straatmann of Wood River, Cairo and Shelton
Memorials suggested to the Grand Island Humane Society
Born April 5, 1925, in Central City
Parents: Carl and Bertha (Bergholtz) Stoppkotte
Grew up in Merrick County, educated at Chapman Public School
Military: U.S. Navy in December 1944 - summer 1946; served in the Pacific Theater during World War II
Returned to the Grand Island area, farmed with his uncles
Married: July 5, 1955 to Kathleen Argent in Central City. She preceded him in death
Lived in Grand Island, drove gravel trucks; they moved to Shelton, 1971, worked at Cornhusker Army Ammunition Plant; later worked for Insulation Island in Grand Island; retired, 1985
Activities: member of the United Methodist Church in Shelton; enjoyed tending his yard, rodeos, animals, woodworking, drawing, painting and playing solitaire; also enjoyed being home
Survivors include: sons, Dan and Jeff, both of Kearney, and Tony of Shelton; daughters, Merrilee Cady of Grand Junction, Colo., Kathy Larson and Kelly Kwiatkowski-Merrill, both of Kearney, Tammy of Guild, Tenn., Gina Juhl of Shelton and Jody Thyfault of Grand Island; brother, Jack of Morrow, Okla.; sisters, Dorothy Paul of Arizona and Joyce Kelly of St. Paul; 20 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren
Was preceded in death by his wife, daughter, Cindy Doremus; brothers, Jim, Lenord and Virgil; sisters, Arlene Sander, Virginia Georgeory and Clarice Lauby; twin grandsons, Shane and Shaun Kwiatkowski; and his parents
Kearney Hub, 5 June, 2004
WELLS, Marie, 64, of rural Minden died Monday, May 31, 2004, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney
Services: Saturday, O'Brien-Straatmann-Apfel Funeral Home, Kearney
Burial: Saturday, Heartwell Cemetery
Memorials suggested to the family or Mount Carmel Home in Kearney
Born Dec. 16, 1939, in Oxford
Parents: William and Inez (Bomark) SNYDER
Her mother later married Henry Hall, and they raised her to adult life; lived in Wilcox, Axtell and other towns; moved to Kearney about 1950, graduated from Kearney high school, 1958
Married: July 31, 1959 to married Duane Wells in Julesburg, Colo.; lived around Kearney for 20 years; moved to an acreage in Kearney County, lived there until her death
Activities: excellent homemaker; enjoyed gardening and music; played with her husband in a band of four at music festivals around Nebraska and at many care homes in Kearney; enjoyed her grandchildren; kept a daily journal in which she would say how thankful she was for good relationships, life and companionship with the Lord at the end of the day
Survivors include: husband; sons, Skip of Kearney, Scott of Minden and Kevin of Tulsa, Okla.; brothers, Robert Snyder of El Dorado, Calif., Ted Hall of Odessa and Jerry Hall of Elm Creek; stepbrother, Robert Hall of Lincoln; sister, Alyce Stone of Lexington; stepsister, Susan McQuistan of Thurston; and four grandchildren
Was preceded in death by her parents
Kearney Hub, 3 June, 2004
BLISS, Genevieve E., 82, of Lincoln, formerly of Kearney, died Thursday, June 3, 2004, at St. Elizabeth Regional Medical Center in Lincoln
Graveside services and burial: Tuesday, Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner-Lieske-Horner
Memorials suggested to the Active Community Treatment Center in Kearney
Born Sept. 1, 1921, in Crete
Parents: Louis and Nellie (Bovey) WILD
Graduated from Crete High School, 1938; attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, obtained teaching certificate
Married: May 21, 1950 to Rodney Bliss in Kearney. He died March 18, 2002
Taught in Eustis until retiring, 1980; then was employed as a physical therapist at Mid-Nebraska Community Service, Kearney until retiring
Member of First United Methodist Church in Kearney
Survivors include: son, Scott of Winnebago; daughter, Shelley Bliss-Krumback of Kearney; seven grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren
Was preceded in death by her husband, parents; brother, Rollo Wild; and grandson, Mathes Keyser
Kearney Hub, 5 June, 2004
JACOBSEN, Evelyn C., 85, of Kearney died Thursday, June 3, 2004, at St. John's Center in Kearney
Services: Tuesday, New Life Assembly Church
Burial: Minden Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner-Lieske-Horner
Memorials suggested to New Life Assembly Church or Faith Christian School
Born Feb. 20, 1919, in Juniata
Parents: Marvin and Lora (Madsen) PARKS
Graduated from Wood River High School, 1936; attended Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kan., the Chillicothe (Mo.) Business College; then transferred to Manhattan Bible College, received her bachelor of arts degree, June 3, 1949
Married: Sept. 12, 1951 to Paul Jacobsen in Wood River. He died June 21, 1979
Lived on a farm north of Minden for 46 years; after death of husband, remained on the farm; moved to Kearney six years ago; owned and operated Specialty Foods Store in Kearney, retired in 1984
Attended New Life Assembly Church in Kearney
Survivors include: son, Mark; daughter, Wilma VonSeggern of Minden; brother, Garner Parks of Lexington; and sisters, Elva Schaffer of York and Bethel Jensen of Marquette; also daughter-in-law, Debbie of Kearney; son-in-law, Alan VonSeggern of Minden; grandsons, Randall of Afghanistan, Gary of Kuwait and John and Josh, both of Kearney; granddaughter, Jennifer Heun of Kearney; great-grandsons, Lance Heun, Mark Heun and Christian Jacobsen, all of Kearney; and great-granddaughters, Natalie Heun and Courtney Heun both of Kearney
Was preceded in death by her husband and a sister.
Kearney Hub, 7 June, 2004
LIZER, John B., 89, of 1309 Ave. A died Saturday, June 5, 2004, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney
Services: Wednesday, O'Brien-Straatmann-Apfel Funeral Home, Kearney
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Born Oct. 25, 1914, in Kearney
Parents: Claude and Elva (Chapman) Lizer
Grew up in Kearney, attended Kearney Public Schools
Married: Aug. 22, 1944 to Marcella Darlyne Garrison in Smith Center, Kan.; lived in Kearney
Employment: was a truck driver and a bartender at Leibee's Bar in the Opera House in Kearney; worked at Nim's Oil Station and at the Skelly Gas Station for 14 years; then worked at Baldwin Filters, retired in 1988 after 22 years
Activities: had coon dogs since he was a boy and enjoyed coon hunting and fishing; member of Eagles Aerie 2722
Survivors include: wife; daughters, Karen Lizer Gant and Patricia Lizer Cook, both of Kearney; six grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren; also sons-in-law, Bob Cook and Larry Kinkade, both of Kearney
Was preceded in death by daughter, Linda Kinkade; his parents; three brothers; a sister; and two grandsons
Kearney Hub, 8 June, 2004
PSOTA, Clarence W., 79, of Ravenna died Saturday, June 5, 2004, at Good Samaritan Center in Ravenna
Services: Wednesday at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, Ravenna
Burial: Highland Park Cemetery, Ravenna
Mortuary: Rasmussen Mortuary, Ravenna
Born July 18, 1924, in Sherman County
Parents: Rudolph and Albie (Kostal) Psota
Attended Wiggle Creek School
Military: U.S. Army, March 27, 1945 - Dec. 12, 1946 in the Pacific Theater
Married: Nov. 27, 1948 to Helen Lockhorn in Ravenna. She preceded him in death
Lived in Ravenna, worked as a carpenter; worked in maintenance at the Grand Island Ordnance Plant; later worked at Henningson Foods in Ravenna and farmed part time
Activities: member of Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion
Survivors include: son, Eugene of Chadron; daughters, Elaine of Kearney, Rhonda of Denver and Joanne Taggart of Fort Collins, Colo.; brother, Milan of Ravenna; three granddaughters; and six great-grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 7 June, 2004
WETZIG, Josephine S. (Shada) Wetzig, 86, of Kearney died Saturday, June 5, 2004, at her home
Services: Wednesday, St. George Orthodox Church
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner-Lieske-Horner Mortuary
Memorials suggested to St. George Orthodox Church
Born May 18, 1918, in Kearney
Parents: John and Helen (Karam) Shada
Attended school in Kearney
Married: Oct. 16, 1947 to William Wetzig in Chicago. He died March 26, 1987
Was a lifetime resident of Kearney; was employed at Swift and Co. for 18 years, at DeKalb and then at Baldwin Manufacturing Co., 1981-1986; retired in 1986
Activities: member of St. George Orthodox Church; lifetime member and past president of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary, a lifetime member of the American Legion Auxiliary and a member of the Eagles Auxiliary
Survivors include: son, Jerry Shada Sr. of Lincoln; daughter, Sandra Ruhter of Summerhaven Lake; brothers, Tony Shada, Leo Shada and Vic Shada, all of Kearney; sisters, Victoria Applegarth of Kearney, Norma Shada of Grand Island and Maxine Grever of Fort Worth, Texas; eight grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandsons
Was preceded in death by her husband, three brothers and a sister.
Kearney Hub, 8 June, 2004
WHITNEY, Robert J. "Rob", 54, of Craig, Colorado, formerly of Kearney, Neb., died Friday, June 4, 2004, at his home in Craig
Services: Thursday at St. James Catholic Church in Kearney
Burial: Kearney Cemetery, military honors by American Legion Post 52 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 759
Mortuary: O'Brien-Straatmann-Apfel, Kearney
Memorials are suggested to the Moffat County Cancer Society in care of Grant Mortuary in Craig
Born Aug. 3, 1949, in Kearney
Parents: Delbert and Phyllis (Adams) Whitney
Grew up and attended school in Kearney
Military: U.S. Navy for a short time
Returned to Kearney, received degree in physical education from the University of Nebraska at Kearney
Married: Aug. 17, 1974 to Denise Nienaber in Kearney
Taught physical education in the elementary schools, worked in construction and was a truck driver in Kearney
Moved to Craig, 1985; worked for Steamboat Ski Corp. and later for various companies as a truck driver; last employment was with Trans Colorado Concrete Co.
Activities: member of St. Michael Catholic Church in Colorado; enjoyed skiing, fishing, hunting and bowling
Survivors include: wife; son, Kirt of Craig; brothers, Mark and Timothy, both of Kearney; and sister, Barbara Peterson of Lincoln; also mother-in-law, Mildred Nienaber of Kearney and brothers-in-law, David Nienaber of Kearney and Derald Nienaber of Chicago
Was preceded in death by his parents
Kearney Hub, 9 June, 2004
WILLIAMS, Donald "Don" E. Williams, 70, of Kearney died Sunday, June 6, 2004, at Good Samaritan Hospital
Services: Thursday at First Christian Church
Burial of cremains: columbarium at Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner-Lieske-Horner Memorials suggested to First Christian Church or to the Good Samaritan Hospital Foundation
Born Aug. 9, 1933, in Kearney
Parents: Horace and Anna (Youngquist) Williams. Attended Emerson Elementary School, graduated from Kearney High School, 1951
Married: Nov. 22, 1953 to Delores Burton in Kearney
Employment: Sears Roebuck, Northwestern Public Power, Good Samaritan Hospital and Platte Valley Medical Center; retired because of health
Activities: enjoyed gardening, hunting and fishing, baking pies, cakes and rolls; enjoyed computer chats, e-mail and phone calls
Survivors include: wife; and sisters, Corinne Harden and Dorothy Bragg, both of Kearney, Harriet White of Clinton, Tenn., and Beverly Poulson of Denver; also nieces, nephews and many other relatives and friends
Was preceded in death by his daughter, Karen; his parents; and sister, Florence Reasland
Kearney Hub, 9 June, 2004
HAEKER, Thelma Anna, 91, of Kearney, formerly of Alma, died Thursday, June 3, 2004, at Mother Hull Home in Kearney
Services: Friday, Peace Lutheran Church, Alma
Burial: Alma Cemetery
Mortuary: Banta-Torrey, Alma
Memorials suggested to Peace Lutheran Church in Alma
Born Oct. 16, 1912, at her parents' farm home east of Huntley
Parents: George and Clara (Marks) REMKE
Attended a rural school east of Huntley, graduated from Huntley high school, 1930
Worked at Petery's Caf‚ in Alma, 1930-1932; attended North Central College in Naperville, Ill. for two years
Married: July 10, 1934 to Paul Haeker in Sheridan, Ill. He died Oct. 4, 1992
Lived in Alma; owned and operated the Parrot Theater until they retired in 1986
Traveled extensively since 1976, visited all 50 states and 110 foreign countries
Moved to the Regency Retirement Center in Kearney, 1992; she had been a resident at Mother Hull Home in Kearney since Nov. 14, 2001
Activities: had been active members of Peace Lutheran Church in Alma, transferred membership to First Lutheran Church in Kearney after moving there; member of Ladies Aid at Peace Lutheran Church; had also been a member of the Farmerette Club and the Alma Women's Club of Alma; was very involved in getting the new hospital built in Alma
Survivors include: sons, Dale of Bellingham, Wash., Dean of Kearney and Howard of Kansas City, MO.; brother, Amin Remke of Aurora, Colo.; and sister, Ruth Bruns of Alamosa, Colo.; also daughter-in-law, Susan of Kearney; sister-in-law, Maryon Remke of Aurora; grandchildren, Amy Lundgren and husband, George, of Yankton, S.D., Penny and husband, Chase Brown, of Sioux City, S.D., David of Kansas City, Mo., Mona of Coralville, Iowa and Eric of Philadelphia; other relatives; and many friends; Was preceded in death by her husband, her father on Aug. 24, 1974; her mother on Jan. 9, 1984; daughter-in-law, Laurel; brother, Marvin Remke; sister, Mildred Eichholtz; and many extended family members
Kearney Hub, 8 June, 2004
MILLER, Loretta M., 89, of Phoenix, Arizona, formerly of Kearney, Neb., died Sunday, June 6, 2004, in Phoenix
Services: Friday at St. James Catholic Church in Kearney
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner-Lieske-Horner, Kearney
Memorials suggested to Hospice of Arizona, Bryan's Extended Care Unit, 9155 N. Third St., Phoenix, AZ 85020
Born Jan. 22, 1915, in Heartwell
Parents: Charles and Emma (Billesbach) McCarthy. Married: Sept. 7, 1936 to Henry Miller. He died in 1987
Lived in Kearney; worked for a time at Kaufmann-Wernert store in the housewares department; with husband, owned and operated Miller's Skelly Service at the corner of 21st Street and Second Avenue until he retired; sold the business in 1975
She remained in Kearney until 1996, moved to Arizona
Activities: was an accomplished homemaker and cook, known especially for her pies and for keeping in touch with her extended family; was an active member of St. James Catholic Church
Survivors include: sons, Richard of Glendale, Ariz., and Robert of Phoenix; daughter, Kathryn Chavez of Apache Junction, Ariz.; brother, LaVerne McCarthy of Brookings, S.D.; sister, Rosemary Walters of Glendale; 10 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren; also daughters-in-law, Annamae of Glendale and Lois of Phoenix; son-in-law, LeRoy Chavez of Apache Junction; sisters-in-law, Gloria McCarthy of Brookings and Jean McCarthy of Kearney; brothers-in-law, Wally Walters of Glendale, John Miller and wife, Irene, of Hastings, Neb., and Gus Kruetzer and wife, Wilma, of Kearney; and many nieces and nephews
Was preceded in death by her husband, her parents; sister, Mildred; and brothers, Robert and Ambrose McCarthy
Kearney Hub, 10 June, 2004
PAYNE, Carl "Skeeter", 92, of Kearney died Tuesday, June 8, 2004, at St. John's Good Samaritan Center
Services: Friday, Trinity Presbyterian Church in Kearney
Burial: Kearney Cemetery
Mortuary: Horner-Lieske-Horner
Memorials suggested to Trinity Presbyterian Church in Kearney
Born May 5, 1912, in Huntley
Parents: Kenneth and Minnie (Skiles) Payne. Graduated from Huntley High School, 1931, earned four letters in baseball
Went on to play baseball in Deshler, where he worked at the broom factory; played second base for the Holdrege Bears; ended up in Kearney, played for the Kearney Irishmen
Married: May 26, 1940 to Josephine Hiebert in Deshler
Worked for Phillips 66 and the Spohn Oil Co. for 35 years
Activities: member and elder at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Kearney since 1954; very involved in church activities throughout his life
Survivors include: wife; son, Tom of Tulsa, Okla.; daughters, Judy Pennington of Feasterville, Pa., and Nancy Dykstra of St. Louis; brother, Merle of Holdrege; seven grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren
Was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers and three sisters.
Kearney Hub, 10 June, 2004
ROTH, Mary Lou, 54, of Lincoln died Saturday, June 5, 2004, in Lincoln
Memorial services: Wednesday, Southwood Lutheran Church in Lincoln
Burial of cremains: Lincoln Memorial Park Cemetery
Memorials suggested to A.E.D. (automated external defibrillator) for Southwood Lutheran Church, Southwood Lutheran Church Building Fund, 5511 S. 27th St., Lincoln, NE 68512, or St. Elizabeth Hospital Foundation, 555 S. 70th St., Lincoln, NE 68510
Bborn May 4, 1950, in Kearney
Parent: Kenneth and Elnor (Kiehl) Vannier
Graduated from Kearney High School, 1968; graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Married: Don Roth
Was a former health and physical education teacher and athletic director at Lincoln Lutheran School; was an employee at St. Elizabeth Regional Medical Center working in several areas including, PBX operator, foundation coordinator and human resource education facilitator; was onfield supervisor with the Lincoln Parks and Recreation Department for volleyball and softball; member of Southwood Lutheran Church
Survivors include: husband; sons, Tim and Nick, both of Lincoln; daughter, Amber Thygesen of Lincoln; parents of Kearney; brother, David Vannier of Plano, Texas; and sisters, Denise Scott of Malcolm, Iowa, and Jolene Jelinek of Omaha; also son-in-law, Paul Thygesen of Lincoln; granddaughter, Sarah Thygesen of Lincoln; brothers-in-law, Dennis Scott of Malcolm and Jay Jelinek of Omaha; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, David and Julie Wilcox of Loveland, Colo.; nephew, Matt Wilcox of Barcelona, Spain; and nieces, Anndee and Abbie Jelinek of Omaha and Katie Ullrick and husband, Jon, of Portland, Ore.
Kearney Hub, 8 June, 2004
TROOK, Clarese Lucille, 86, of Wahoo, formerly of the Kearney, Gibbon and Ravenna area, died Thursday, June 3, 2004, in Lincoln
Services: private; body has been cremated
Mortuary: Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home
Born July 29, 1917, in Ceresco
Parents: Elmer and Dorothy (Benting) Cederdahl
Married: Derrill Trook. He preceded her in death
Survivors include: daughters, Janet Grabenstein of Lincoln and Daryln Hansen of Wahoo; sister, Barbara Powell of Lincoln; six grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren
Kearney Hub, 8 June, 2004